Ordinary Meeting - 21 November 2024 Transcript

2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY ¶

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3 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES ¶

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00:01:00 Move Councillor Wegener. I move. Can I have a seconder? I move. Councillor Stockwell. I move. All in favour? I move. That's unanimous. Next are petitions. Are there any petitions? No. There are no presentations. We have two deputations. First deputation is dog registrations from Deborah Walsh. Ms Walsh, would you like to come to the lectern and present your deputation please? Welcome. Deborah Walsh: Can you hear me? Is that okay? Yes. Thank you and good evening everybody. My name is Deborah Walsh and I'm a resident of Mr Shire. At Council's September ordinary meeting there was a question on dog renewal registration. The question was will Council consider introducing lifelong dog registration fees for residents?

6 PRESENTATIONS ¶

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7 DEPUTATIONS ¶

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7.1 DEPUTATION - Dog Registrations Applicant: Debra Walz Speakers: Debra Walz ¶

▶ 00:01:44

00:02:00 And the response to that question was dog registration is a requirement under the Queensland Animal Management Act of Dogs Act of 2008 and this Act does not allow for lifetime registration for dogs. And just to make a point that on Monday, Monday's general meeting, there was a gentleman there who was also talking about dogs and I'd just like to say that I sympathise with the issues that were raised with Council on Monday by Geoff and to fully support his suggestions. Generally speaking, dog owners are willing to support Council in providing financial support for the provision of waste bags, maintenance of off-leash areas and other dog related endeavours in return for a fair and reasonable registration fee. Despite a higher socio-economic cohort, Noosa residents are feeling the fallout of the current cost of living prices.

00:03:00 Noosa is well known for its quality of life and for many that includes owning and caring for a pet. There are approximately 10,700 residents living in Noosa. There are 59 registered dogs in Noosa Shire. This relates to one in every five residents owning a registered dog. According to Council's website, the fine for not renewing a dog registration is $309. The cost of registering a de-sexed dog in Noosa is $48.50. An entire dog costs $193.50 and for pensioners it is free if you own a de-sexed dog. The population cohort in Noosa has undergone noticeable changes in age group demographics between 2019 and 2021. There was an increase in the 65 years plus which related to an increase of 7.5%.

00:04:00 And in the 35-44 year age group there was a decrease of 5%. And my source is the Noosa Customer Satisfaction Survey dated 2021, which I assume would have been taken from the ABS data. It's a well-known observation that many residents in the older age groups are also care owners. However, we can't assume they are all pensioners and eligible for free dog registration. And just an observation, it is probably timely to undertake another Noosa Customer Satisfaction Survey, perhaps. In Regulating Animal Welfare Services Appendix C of the Auditor General's Report 2021-2022, it clearly states that Council need to review its processes, enforcement options, outcomes and community feedback

00:05:00 to ensure its practices are in line with legislation. With best practice and community expectations. In addition, effective regulation of local laws, including infringement notices, local councils need to ensure minimum prescribed standards are met, but also consider risk-based and intelligence-led information for enforcement. For example, taking into account the community benefits of pets, pet ownership and cost-of-living imperatives. Because the overriding legislation for animal management sits with the Queensland Government, I consulted with the local state county's office to verify that responsibility. The Act identifies the following, in section 50, duration of registration.

00:06:00 Number one, registration of the dog is for the period of years fixed by resolution of the relevant local government for the dog. Number two, however, the period must not be more than three years. Currently, Noosa Council envisages a one-year registration period and an annual renewal requirement. Section 52 of the Act, registration fee must be fixed to give the desexing incentive. So number one, this section applies to a relevant local government in fixing the registration fee for a dog usually kept or proposed to be kept in the local government's area. And number two, the local government must fix the fee to give the owner for the dog an incentive to desex it. For example, fixing a lower registration fee for a dog that is desexed. Noosa Council do provide substantial incentives in this area.

00:07:00 In the legislation, the designated local government areas are prescriptive and include Brisbane City Council, Central Highlands Regional Council, Gladstone Regional Council, Gold Coast Council, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan City, Moreton Bay, Redmond City, Senate Rim Regional Council, Somerset Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Toowoomba Regional Council. No other councils are mentioned in this legislation, including any repealed legislation. This legislation is current as of August 2024. You may be aware that there are other councils in Queensland who offer lifetime registration to residents who own dogs. In discussion with the state government representatives, it appears the current legislation does not catch up with all councils.

00:08:00 The legislation has no reference to penalties or fines for late renewal fees, which I understand is covered by Noosa Council local law. I am interested in establishing how much revenue was raised from infringement notices relating to non or late renewal of dog registrations in the last financial year. Despite requesting this information some weeks ago, my first request was on the 8th of October and my second request was on the 8th of November, the relevant personnel in the council have not provided me with a reply to my requests. As at May this year, overdue renewal registration has sat at about 350 for the last couple of years. It's 350 unregistered.

00:09:00 The council's local laws and environment health management has said via the media payment was a legal requirement and helped to keep dogs and the community safer. Currently, he says, there are over a thousand dogs now in Noosa Shire with unpaid registration. The infringement fine on the separate laws is $309 plus the annual registration fee. The council's animal management section also confirmed it is about to begin looking at possible reasons for the increase in overdue registrations. It would be good to know if this is still a priority. All local laws can be amended or repealed. At the very least, they need to be reviewed, taking into account the current community sentiment and possible crisis. A local... What's a local paper? The Yahoo News Australia recently published a statement.

00:10:00 And I quote. While rules vary from state to state across Australia, including Maine, its state laws require that all dogs must be registered with their local council. Noosa takes the rule a step further and requires pet owners to renew their registration annually. A local Noosa resident, who recently received an infringement notice without warning, who was quoted by Yahoo News Australia, said there are a lot of people doing it tough. Can council take another look at the registration requirements and consider three year registration to replace one year registration? In addition, can Council ensure that all owners of pets have current details recorded, particularly when renewal notices are sent out, and ensure these renewal notices are sent out in a timely manner?

00:11:00 It is important to ensure Council records correctly reflect pet owners' details. There have been system failures whereby owners have made online amendments to their details which have subsequently not been reflected on Council records. This can be very disturbing and upsetting when a resident receives an overdue renewal infringement notice after informing Council that their dog has passed away. Clearly, there is scope within the legislation and Council's responsibilities. To manage dog registrations and dog registration renewal fees in a more community-focused manner, which gives consideration to cost of living imperatives, demographics of residents, community expectations, and best practice.

00:12:00 Thank you for your time. Mayor Wilkie: Everyone else hear the speaker clear enough through the speakers? Is amplification occurring? Just need to be closer to the microphone. Okay, next up we have a deputation request for pedestrian crossing on Eumundi Noosa Noosa Road. And the deputation is from Linda Martin. Welcome Linda. If you could try speaking a little closer to the microphone please. Speaker 5: On behalf of the families and children of Noosaville, I raise the issue of a safe pedestrian crossing at Eumundi Noosa Noosa Road, Noosaville.

7.2 DEPUTATION - Request for Pedestrian Crossing on Eumundi Noosa Road Applicant: Linda Martin Speakers: Linda Martin, Bernid Haenga, Andie Grant ¶

▶ 00:12:53· Carried unanimously 6-0 from council's minutes

00:13:00 For many of us, simply crossing the road every day has become a terrifying ordeal. Our community is in constant danger on Eumundi Noosa Noosa Road, specifically between Bankmans Road roundabout and the biggest street roundabout. Every day, children and adults alike risk their lives. Some of the stories are confronting. An elderly man on his mobility scooter terrified to go out to do his shopping. A boy who is forced to ride two kilometres out of his way for a safe crossing on his already ten kilometre ride to and from high school. Kids begging to walk a ride to their schools, but parents too afraid to let them. And then there is fear. There are thousands of people that do break the crossing. Many, many more hair-raising close call stories. This issue has been raised repeatedly over the years, but has been disregarded every time due to cost.

00:14:00 The question that haunts us all is, what is the cost of human life? Since at least 2018 residents have requested a safe pedestrian crossing or an underpass to cross Eumundi Noosa Noosa Road. There has been numerous submissions made by residents and records show this has been raised in council on multiple occasions in years past. With earlier requests it was inferred that it may be a state matter. In recent years it has been established that it is a local matter. The community have reverted to council repeatedly with zero results. It is action we seek. Not reworded platitudes on potential future studies or discussions. There is an evident and urgent need to include a safe pedestrian crossing, specifically an underpass. This will benefit children travelling to and from the local schools such as Noosaville State, St Theresa's, Sunshine Beach High School, Good Shepherd and of course the entire Noosaville business precinct.

00:15:00 What is perhaps not being realised is that this is a common junction point where anyone travelling to and from the entire Beckmans Road precinct through to the entire Noosaville business precinct, encompassing four major schools and the Noosa Civic Shopping Centre, are forced to cross. They are forced to cross an extremely busy four lane road that currently makes no provision for a safe crossing. The current designated crossing points are ineffectual and I would go so far as to say dangerous positions. Directly on either side of traffic entering and exiting one of the busiest roundabouts in our Shire. Studies confirm that underpasses can reduce potential pedestrian vehicle collisions by almost 90%.

00:16:00 If not an underpass, then traffic lights. Let the civil engineer decide. But just make a decision and put it in the budget. This is more than a plea for convenience. This is an urgent demand for safety. Let us not wait until a life is tragically lost to realise the value of pedestrian safety. The time to act is now. Prioritise our safety. Councillor Wilson: Lives depend on it. Speaker 5: Disappointingly, it has been confirmed a pedestrian underpass is not included. Disappointingly, it has been confirmed a pedestrian underpass is not included. As part of the TMR's planning for the remaining stages of the Tewantin Bypass. Council and residents are aware of the difficulties in crossing this busy section of road. It has been stated by Council that the need for safer and more convenient crossings on

00:17:00 the Mundinesa Road has been identified as part of the recent update to the walking and cycling strategy. Apparently, Council is not aware of the difficulties in crossing this busy section of road. Council intends to investigate options to improve pedestrian movements, including signalised crossings as part of the Noosa Traffic Study update. This would assess the suitability of such crossings. The Council is yet to provide a definitive response or assurance that this issue is being addressed with the urgency it deserves. We request a detailed plan on how this matter will be resolved. Additionally, residents seek a meeting with TMR and the Council to prioritise this issue. We request the time bracket that the Noosa Traffic Study update will be conducted by and the data on the findings of the Noosa Traffic Study update.

00:18:00 We request data of accidents along Beckmans Road and the Mundinesa Road. We also request a review of the road and roadblocks that have occurred over the past six years and demographic changes, such as a number of children and families now residing in Lake Boulevard and surrounding areas near St Theresa and Good Shepherd Lutheran College. We also request a Civil Engineers Plan to be drawn for a resolution. We seek assurance that these concerns will be taken seriously. I do also have a petition which will be submitted to the Council. It's currently sitting at 319 signatures but it is expected to gather a lot more momentum as it moves through. Thank you for your time. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you Linda. Next up we have four submissions for public question time. The first is an application with two questions from Andy Grant.

00:19:00 Ms Grant are you here? Hello. Ms Grant come up to the lectern please and ask your questions which will be answered by Shaun Walsh who is the Acting Director of Infrastructure. Deborah Walsh: Thank you. The first question is can data please be provided or collected to analyse how many families and children reside in the Evans Road, St Theresa's Catholic College, Lake Entrance Boulevard, Tewantin Shepherd Community College and surrounding areas? Director Walsh: You got me to talk here? Can everyone hear me? Is that okay? So my name is Shaun Walsh the Acting Director of Infrastructure Services. Thank you for this question. Firstly Council acknowledges the challenges of crossing these busy sections of road. Council has currently not complied this demographic data about families and children in these school catchments but can arrange for it to be collected alongside data currently collected for the updated Noosa Traffic Study.

8 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME ¶

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8.1 ANDIE GRANT ¶

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00:20:00 Council is currently undertaking an update to the Noosa Traffic Study using contemporary traffic data. And we're expected to complete that by June 2025. This study is a critical technical document to guide our infrastructure planning and we'll use the data to determine the need for and support for various traffic improvements including safer pedestrian crossings. Deborah Walsh: Second question. Has a civil engineer consultation on a safe pedestrian crossing been done yet or when will it be scheduled to be done in relation to the design of a safe pedestrian crossing on this road? Director Walsh: Thank you again for this question. Firstly we acknowledge the dangers of crossing this busy section of road. Council's walking and cycling strategy has identified the need for safer, more convenient pedestrian crossings on Yamanu Noosa Road. This document was prepared by engineers and Council. In addition the Noosa Traffic Study update is currently occurring, also overseen by engineers.

00:21:00 Which will assist us in planning for the next 30 years. And determining the need for various traffic improvements. Any proposed traffic improvements such as new crossings will be subject to Council's budget deliberations in the coming years. Council can also use the traffic study to support grant applications from particularly the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Council will certainly undertake public consultation program as part of any approved projects. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you Andy. The second application of two questions. Is from Bernie Anger. Welcome Bernie. Speaker 3: Good afternoon members. Thank you for having us today. I have two questions. Our first one. Can Council arrange accident data to be acquired or collected over the last six years on Beckmans Road and Yamanu Noosa Road in relation to the safe pedestrian crossing?

8.2 ​BERNIE HAENGA ¶

▶ 00:21:57

00:22:00 Mayor Wilkie: And your question will only be answered again by Shaun Walsh. Director Walsh: Thank you for this question. Council does have accident data collected with the assistance of Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Queensland Police Service. In the past five years from 2018 to 2023, 22 vehicle crashes were reported on Yamanu Noosa Road between Headland Drive and Beckmans Road. These included four hospitalisations, nine requiring medical treatment and nine minor injuries. Only one crash involved a pedestrian near the Eni Creek Road. On Beckmans Road from Yamanu Noosa Road to Cooroy Noosa Road, 15 vehicle crashes were reported. These included 10 hospitalisations, two requiring medical treatment and three minor injuries. No pedestrian involved crashes were reported on Beckmans Road during this period. However, there was one prior incident involving a pedestrian on Beckmans Road near Sea Eagle Drive in 2017.

00:23:00 This data will be part of the minutes, but I'll give you a hard copy of this after the meeting. Thank you. Speaker 3: Second question is, can Council arrange traffic volume road tube data to be provided or collected in relation to the sacred issue of crossing on Yamanu Noosa Road? Director Walsh: Thank you again for the question. Council does collect traffic volume data on Yamanu Noosa Road and traffic counts for Yamanu Noosa Road can be provided. Council is currently undertaking an update of the Noosa traffic study. The traffic data is currently being collected. It is expected to be completed by June 2025. And we'll use that data to support the need for various traffic improvements, including pedestrian crossings. This substantiation of the traffic improvements, we can also enhance it with additional pedestrian data, which we haven't collected at the moment. I think it's a good suggestion. And we can use that pedestrian data to substantiate improvements for budget requests.

00:24:00 Mayor Wilkie: Thank you, Mr. Hanger. Very good. Next two questions are from Ms. Linda Martin. Ms. Martin, would you like to come up and ask your questions? And they'll also be answered by Shaun Walsh, Acting Director of Infrastructure. Speaker 5: Thank you again. The first question. When will Noosa Council's traffic study update be completed and findings be released, specifically in relation to a safe pedestrian crossing on Yamanu Noosa Road in the vicinity between Beckmans and Ring Street roundabout? That's a good question. Director Walsh: Thank you for the question. Again, we acknowledge the challenges of crossing this busy section of road. Council approved the update to the Noosa traffic study as part of the 24-25 year budget. The study is currently in progress, and is expected to be completed by June 2025. This critical technical document will guide our traffic planning for the next 30 years, and use the data to determine the need for various traffic improvements, including safer

8.3 ​LINDA MARTIN ¶

▶ 00:24:28

00:25:00 pedestrian crossings. It is noted that Council's walking and cycling instructions will be updated by June 2025. It is also noted that Council's public consultation strategy has also identified the need for safer, more convenient pedestrian crossings on Yamanu Noosa Road. Any proposed traffic improvements will be subject to Council budget deliberations, and will certainly undertake public consultation as part of any approved projects. Thank you. Speaker 5: Thank you. I'd like to ask, how exactly is safe access to the new footpath being constructed as part of the Tewantin bypass on Yamanu Noosa Road to be gained, and how is that going to work with the current non-connecting paths and lack of a safe pedestrian crossing in the vicinity? Director Walsh: Thank you again for the question. The intersections of Beckmans Road, Yamanu Noosa Road is part of Council managed road infrastructure, to be clear. But the proposed upgrades, including the Beckmans Road duplication, also known as the Tewantin

00:26:00 bypass, are subject to Department of Transport and Main Roads funding, under a long-standing commitment by the Queensland Government. The Department of Transport and Main Roads have currently committed $8.5 million for planning future stages of the Tewantin bypass. Only preliminary concepts have been prepared, and detailed design is yet to be finalised. Council acknowledges the challenges of crossing this busy section of road, and has identified the need for safer, more convenient pedestrian crossings in this locality, and will be advocating for this outcome as part of negotiations with the Department of Transport and Main Roads over our Council owned road infrastructure. Speaker 5: That's excellent. Thank you. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you, Ms Martin. Our last application, with only one question, is from Ms Sharon Choringill. Sharon, are you here? Yep. Deborah Walsh: The question is about the timeframe that Noosa Shire Council would do something about the amount of accidents and the handling of Beckmans Road.

00:27:00 We live there, and in the last five years, there's been seven accidents. At our driveway in the Tewantin Inn, we're used weekly, crossing. There's a single solid white line. People seem to think that it is illegal to drive across that, to enter your driveway. And it's also just way too fast on residential zone. As you saw. Mayor Wilkie: Again, Sean. Director Walsh: Thank you for your question. Firstly, I've asked the matter of speed and accidents on Beckmans Road. I think it's important to note that the next traffic advisory meeting, this meeting includes representatives from Noosa Council, Queensland Police Service and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and can consider and implement various and immediate safety initiatives, which may include speed reduction and better signage. The next meeting is scheduled for January, and I would be pleased to provide an update after that meeting to you directly. In regard to the longer term solution, the Beckmans Road duplication, also known as the

8.4 SHARON CHORENGEL ¶

▶ 00:27:01

00:28:00 Tewantin Bypass, are subject to Department of Transport and Main Roads funding under a longstanding commitment by the Queensland Government. They've currently committed $8.5 million for planning future stages. Council, along with our State member, are advocating strongly to advance this project as soon as possible with the newly elected State Government, as it is a critical part of Noosa's traffic network, and current arrangements are unsatisfactory due to congestion and safety incidents. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you, Mr Chairman. Thank you, Mr Chair. We have no mayoral minutes. We have one notified motion tonight, which is the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Management Plan and Outsourcing Victimness Review. Councillor Lorentson, would you like to move your motion? Councillor Lorentson: Thank you, and I hope everyone can hear me, otherwise I'll use the microphone. The recommendation in front of us is that Council A, request the CEO to provide a report

9 MAYORAL MINUTES ¶

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10 NOTIFIED MOTIONS ¶

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10.1 NOOSAVILLE FORESHORE INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT PLAN AND OUTSOURCING EFFECTIVENESS REVIEW ¶

▶ 00:28:59· Carried 5-2 · 2 divisions from council's minutes

00:29:00 on the process. Followed for the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Management Plan, which includes an overview of the procurement process, identification of risk, reasons for any scope changes or variations, and details on resources utilised, staff consultants and contractors. The report should also cover industry benchmarking and key lessons learnt, demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach taken in developing the master plan. B, the recommendation that Council, as part of the 2025 and 2026 budget development, Council receives a report in 2025 on the feasibility, scope and resourcing required to establish a framework for reviewing the effectiveness of outsourcing arrangements, such as contractors and consultancies. This framework should assess key contracts and consultancies across areas such as value

00:30:00 for money, service levels, procurement and contracting practices, and internal versus external resourcing. The framework should align with the Council's long-term financial plan, the upcoming Revenue Diversification and Optimisation Plan, and the principles outlined in the Financial Sustainability Policy. Mayor Wilkie: May we have a seconder for this, please? Seconder, Councillor Finzel. Councillor Morrison. Councillor Lorentson: Just some comments. Recent projects, including major master plans, have incurred significant consultancy expenses. This motion simply aims to provide detailed information on the costs and the processes for the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Management Plan, aiming at promoting the transparency, accountability and, importantly, public trust.

00:31:00 Additionally, the motion proposes investigating and outsourcing effectiveness review framework. This framework will assess key contracts and consultancies to ensure optimal outcomes in value for money, service levels, procurement practices and internal versus external resourcing. Over the last two years, I've consistently called for greater transparency, accountability and assurance for value for money in Council's spending on consultants and contractors. My concerns I've raised with the CEO on several occasions and the questions that I've asked are these. Are we achieving measurable value for money from consultancies and contracts? How are outcomes and return on investments being evaluated? Are we over relying on external consultants and potentially sidelining staff?

00:32:00 And could investing in additional staff deliver more cost effective results? I've spoken about formal reporting frameworks in the past as a means to provide accessible records of consultancy engagements, costs and outcomes to help residents and also to help us as councillors understand the rationale behind outsourcing. It would allow councillors to make informed decisions during our budget deliberations. And it's at that point when we decide as councillors which master plans and strategies brought to us by staff are to be approved. While consultants bring valuable expertise, what I think we must be careful about is that they complement and not replace our staff's work. We must be able to measure their value and ensure the strategic use of our resources, that is our money.

00:33:00 The Noosaville foreshore management plan has presented a timely opportunity to reopen this conversation and for us to ask these questions. Specifically, was the spend for the Noosaville foreshore management plan justified? And properly spent? What tangible results will it achieve? Are these plans aligned with community priorities and council strategies? And are we over planning or over complicating matters with levels of details, with excessive levels of details? The motion in front of us proposes two actions to address these concerns. Firstly, a detailed review of the Noosaville project to examine procurement processes, outcomes and whether alternative approaches or scoping could have achieved better results at a lower cost. Secondly, the report proposes a report assessing the feasibility on developing this framework to evaluate when outsourcing is appropriate.

00:34:00 Again, for the purposes of ensuring value for money while balancing internal and external resources effectively. The motion aligns with our commitment as councillors to uphold transparency, accountability and responsible spending, ensuring that public money is used efficiently and does align with community values, expectations and strategic goals. It also aligns with council's long-term financial plan, the upcoming Revenue Diversification and Optimisation Plan, and we spoke of this just a couple of days ago at our general. Our Workforce Capability Plan. It's also been workshopped and discussed with both the CEO and our CFO. I've worked with both of them in writing the motion. As elected representatives, it's our responsibility to advocate for better governance.

00:35:00 Consultants and contractors can and do bring valuable expertise, but it's just crucial that we assess whether their engagement is truly delivering value for money and truly delivering the best outcomes for the community. I hope you support this motion. Thank you, Councillor Morrison. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Just a minor point of order. I note in the agenda it's correct, but on the screen, and there's been reference made it to, it's not a recommendation, it is a notified motion. It needs to be corrected. If we can for a minute, please. Part of the system, I appreciate it. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Stockwell. Councillor Wilson, did you have an amendment? We can't hear you, Councillor Wilson.

00:36:00 I tested before and it was okay. . Deputy Mayor Stockwell: . Councillor Wilson: We can hear you now. Okay, thank you. Sorry, I was going to move in a moment, but I think I prefer to deal with it through questions first, if that's okay? I've got a few questions, because I agree with what this motion is trying to achieve, and I agree with what I think Councilman Watson just said. So my first question is on point A, which mentions industry benchmarking. So given this is a report on an internal process followed, in terms of scope and procurement process and various other things, I'm just not sure what criteria we would be seeking to benchmark and how that information would be readily available,

00:37:00 so whether that should be included, but also to see a greater understanding of what works again. Councillor Lorentson: I'm happy to answer that, and I'm not sure if Trent, our CEO, is here. Oh, he is. Hey, Trent. I'll start by answering that the idea of benchmarking is, to me, critical. When we talk about continuous improvement, part of that process is that we not only measure our practices, we research best practices, and then we compare our performance against similar councils just to understand what the areas of improvement are. So the inclusion of industry benchmarking, I don't think it's onerous. It's basically to understand how other councils, what sort of spends do they have in terms of consultancy in contracting.

00:38:00 And my point is, I think it's important to understand how other councils, what sort of spends do they have in terms of consultancy in contracting. Trent, if he can make some commentary, but I do want to finish with a quote that I use a lot, and I think, you know, I change the words every now and then, but what gets measured gets improved. We need baseline measurement. We don't know how we fare unless we compare it with best practices. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you, Councillor Wilson. Director Walsh: Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. I've just conferred with Trent, and he was comfortable with me answering the question. The Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan was led by a landscape architecture company, so I'm a fellow with the Australia's Junior Landscape Architect Company. We would be able to seek industry benchmarking by reaching out to practices across Queensland, and ask them questions about, you know, what type of consultancy fees do they charge for master plan projects linked to construction value,

00:39:00 and what is the percentage, you know, in relation to sub-consultants. So, with a discreet approach, I think we could achieve an industry benchmark for the report. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you very much. Thank you. Did you want to add anything to that? Thank you. Further questions, Councillor Wilson? Councillor Wilson: Yes, please. So, part of the, I think, I'm just seeking priority, really, of what we're actually seeking for this report to do, because it's a feasibility, seeking to do a feasibility study on establishing a framework, and then kind of talks about what that framework should be before we've actually done the feasibility study, and I'm also just not sure whether it's seeking to be forward-looking or backward-looking, so whether it's seeking to be forward-looking or backward-looking, so whether it's seeking to be forward-looking or backward-looking, and then we'll value the money after the contract is complete, and then therefore why would it include procurement, or is it as part of the procurement process, where I know we already assess tenders based on various weighting criteria, so I'm just kind of looking at, again, is this something that we're already doing, is there a reason to do a step onto something if we already have a framework in place, or what gap are we actually trying to address here?

00:40:00 Councillor Lorentson: So, A and B are both interrelated, both steps, in my opinion, are not just necessary, I think they're actually overdue, so the idea of having the, it's basically just a report, an exploratory report, of the cost implications, resource implications, I think this is a big body of work, but I think it's really critical that we start looking at it.

00:41:00 I think what's, what my concern is, and I think I mentioned it before, is that as councillors, during budget deliberations, we're presented with a number of master plans, with a number of strategies, and I just think a framework would give us the clarity, and allow us to make informed decisions about what we're actually approving. So, so the framework is not just for residents, it's for councillors, so that we can just understand that when we approve, for instance, we approved the We actually approved the Noosaville foreshore management plan master plan as council so at the time I think it was $330,000 and then there was a revision which cost over $200,000 but the decision was made by full council so part of the framework is next time we get into budget deliberation we as councillors understand does this present value for money is the detail transparent and open and can we

00:42:00 as residents also access this information. I think it's just a step again towards better governance, continuous improvement but more importantly public trust. What's happened over the Noosaville foreshore management plan is the community is asking questions and I think this is an opportunity to just rebuild, not rebuild but just to give community confidence and us confidence when we are presented with these master plans. So the first, second part is not onerous. How much scoping, what it's going to do, it's actually part of the report. It's worded as an exploratory process just to come back to council with what is the feasibility and what is the scoping of this sort of framework.

00:43:00 Mayor Wilkie: Thank you councillor. Thank you councillor Lorentson. Any other questions councillor Wilson? Councillor Wilson: Would the CEO or the directors be able to? Speaker 4: Through the chair, councillors, as we do a paper back to you on the matter, as is in the motion here, the approach I would take would be to do it two-fold. First of all, I guess the starting point is if you want to evaluate value for money in what you're procuring and what you're investing, whether that's consultants, whether it's contractors, whether it's outsourcing, the first point is to look at where you've been spending historically, and not just the last 12 months, it might be two, three, four, five years historically.

00:44:00 The reason you want to do that is because the reason you're outsourcing might be different for different reasons. It could be for these special suffice. It could be for particular work that needs to be edited. It could be expedited. It could be that we don't have the capability or new specialisation to do this work. It could be because there are vacancies and it's hard to find certain types of professions in our workforce, let alone in the region. And unpacking that over a period of time will help us understand what we need to evaluate and our pressure points. Also consider that it's not just the consulting side for us as an organisation. Where there's value is also where we're potentially outsourcing. And having the informed evaluation as to whether we should be outsourcing or insourcing our services as they come up for tender. We do this work inherently as our service planning, as we come up for review of our contracts. You'll see that happen with things from lifeguard services through to our waste contracts, et cetera.

00:45:00 So we do do that work. What I envisage is being asked for here is an evaluation of a process that puts in place, a very clear framework behind that moving forward. But I would suggest you would need to look at the way we spent historically first and procure historically first to see how that works. So it is a big piece of work. I'd suggest it's looking backwards and then giving you a framework that helps you evaluate value for money moving forwards. And that all forms part of ultimately what we had envisaged for our new organisational structure with the realignment under the former CEO in terms of that commercial and effectiveness branch within corporate services. So I hope that helps. Councillor Wilson: Thank you. That does. I think that's not really what the motion is saying, but that's what everyone should understand it is and I think that's okay.

00:46:00 Mayor Wilkie: Okay. Anyone else wish to speak to the motion? I have a question. Question? Yes. Councillor Wegener. Councillor Wegener: So is this... Is this motion, or what you're asking for, is this going to go to the budget and go through the budget process? Or it sounds to me like we're asking for staff to do this report and fund it and pay for it before the budget. So which is it? Before or after? Is this a budget initiative, so to speak? Councillor Lorentson: My understanding is that part of the report... The report that's coming back to Council, that there will be an estimate in cost and scoping. And then that will come to Council as an initiative for decision by Council whether we want to progress or not. Speaker 1: Yes. And... Councillor Lorentson: Yes.

00:47:00 Councillor Wegener: So this is something that we're going to be working on until the budget process starting in March, basically. And then we'll vote on it through the budget process at the time. Councillor Wegener: Okay. Councillor Wegener: Any other quick questions? Anybody else? Mayor Wilkie: Councillor Finzel. Yes. Councillor Finzel: Thank you for the motion. It's good to get it to the table so we can have this discussion. I'm just seeking some clarification then. If the budget cost to bring the report... Just to follow on from your question. Is the funds already allocated to bring this report? And what is the cost to bring the report? Given that there's been a discussion around notice of motion not exceeding $10,000, what is the cost of this report that is on the table and to come before us for budget to consider this?

00:48:00 And my second question is, it's an effectiveness review. So are we looking to... Yes. And this is a question to Councillor Lorentson. Are you looking to look at the foreshore infrastructure management plan community engagement and the process around that? Are you looking to gain effectiveness of that as a standalone? Councillor Lorentson: Firstly, in terms of cost, $10,000. I think that's what part of the next step is, to ascertain what the actual cost of scoping. And developing this framework. So I can't answer that. So I think preliminary, it's a resourcing cost. It's just seeking estimates. So I don't think that's onerous. But in terms of how much this framework is going to cost, that's what's coming back to

00:49:00 us in a report. And then that will be the decision that will be made during budget deliberations. And that's why I made a note. And again, to reiterate, I did work with the CFO and CEO on this motion and with the wording. It does align with our priorities. We have an upcoming, I think it's the revenue and diversification optimal plan. We've got a workforce capability plan. It aligns with council strategies. More importantly, it aligns with community engagement. It aligns with community expectations. And I just think that we can't lose sight of why this motion... It's not something... Deputy Mayor Stockwell: In the order. It certainly seems to be talking to the motion rather than answering the question. Councillor Lorentson: In terms of the second question, Councillor Finzel, can you just repeat the question?

00:50:00 In terms of effectiveness of community engagement, I think it was the question that you asked. So part A, when we're looking at the details, part of the motion is about lessons learnt. And what I'm envisaging is a deep dive in scoping and also variations, whether there was opportunities during the... Whether a different brief or different scoping may have... I don't know. We've provided opportunities for spending savings, the effectiveness of a framework with value for money, yeah, I anticipate details, I anticipate looking at community engagement, you know, cost of delivering these master plans, pop ups, media, radio, face to face, walking through, yeah, that's part of the framework.

00:51:00 To understand the rationale for the spending and then having some sort of framework to measure the outcomes, the deliverables. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you, Councillor Morrison. Look, I'll move, I'd like to move this along. I'm going to support this motion in both parts. The first one is the material contained in the part A is something we would expect to see when the results of the report on the results of the next phase of the foreshore management plan comes back to us anyway. I'd expect that sort of detail to be in there. And part B is asking for a report on the resourcing required to establish this framework. So it would have the costings outlined. There's no commitment to that cost. It'd be something we would consider as part of the budget process. So council's not committing to expenditure of large amounts of money. It's what they're committing to here is if we support this motion, it's getting the information that's contained in part A, which I would expect in the report coming back about phase two.

00:52:00 I'm going back, I'm repeating myself here. And also a report on what the costs are likely to be for establishing the framework. And that'll be once we get that report, then there'll be a dollar figure. And then it's up to us whether we decide to commit ratepayers resources to that when we're deciding how we allocate resources as part of the 25, 26 budget process. So I'm supporting the motion. Anyone else wish to speak to the motion? Councilor, you go ahead. Councillor Finzel: Thank you. I just need to clarify. So we've got request the CEO to provide a report on the process followed for the Noosaville foreshore infrastructure management plan. I'm just a question to the CEO. Given we're at full staff capabilities and capacity, have you the staff available to do this work?

00:53:00 And what is the cost to do this work? Thank you, Councillor. Director Walsh: I think taking the Mayor's point about having this review report undertaken as part of the presentation of the final master plan to Council makes a lot of sense. So that, you know, so that would be undertaken within existing staff resources. And having a debrief or a lessons learned as part of a standard project is fairly standard. And I think that gives us some scope to explore. So my understanding of this motion is that this report would come up to Council at the same time as we come up to Council with the next stage of the Noosaville foreshore master plan within existing staff resources. And has been provided for in the budget resources.

00:54:00 Thank you. Mayor Wilkie: Any other Councillors wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Wegener: I'm not going to support the motion. The first part is requesting the CEO to give a report on what we do. Our job is actually out on there. If you could read that as Newsy councillors is to include an overview of the procurement process. Well, we were there for every step of the way for the procurement process. Identification of risks. Reasons for any scope changes are very clear. Variations. Details. And on details, resource utilized. Staff, consultants, contractors, so forth. That is, that's what we do as councillors. That's actually what we're paid to do. And this, the first report is asking the CEO to bring a report on us. Because this is our job to make these decisions in the first place. So I don't, I don't see that we are asking.

00:55:00 Oh, I think this is asking the CEO to do our job for us that we should have been doing all along and we actually are doing. The second part, I just find it irregular that we are asking for a report to come to us that's going to end up going to the budget because it's actually an initiative. And it's kind of jumping the queue on the whole initiative process. It's a notified motion to get ahead of the queue in the initiatives. And I don't really, I don't really see it's necessary at all. Furthermore, our staff is very, very limited at this point. And it's going to be a whole heck of a lot more limited very soon when our chief financial officer is going to be on, take 12 months off. And so we are going to be wildly understaffed next year. We need to find somebody to fill this position. And I can just see the irony of part B is that we'll definitely need to hire a consultant to give us this report.

00:56:00 On consultants. And that is just, it's over the top. I don't think this is necessary. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Wood. Councillor Finzel: Just another question. I am concerned about the budget and how we're making this decision to move this forward. I think we need to be very mindful of these decisions given the current climate. Financially and capacity of council staff. Question to the CEO. With regards to Shaun's response that the money was in the existing budget. Was that the extra money that was allocated through the Capital Works Executive Committee? Speaker 1: Thank you, Councillor. Let me clarify this one. The first part, part A, is really just.

00:57:00 Just bringing back a report against the, as part of the Noosaville. So as Mayor Frank said, that as part of, when we come back with the Noosaville Master Plan, there'll be an analysis of how it came about and how the money was expended and whether it was expended well. So that's something from what Shaun said is within our capacity to deliver. Okay. So I'm comfortable with that. The second piece. In our notices of motion and our standing orders now, if anything is going to cost the council more than $10,000 or a serious amount of resource to deliver a motion, it has to come back to council as a report. So that's what, that's what Councillor Lorentson is asking for, is for us to go away, scope it, understand what it's going to cost to actually do the report. So that's really what, because we think our understanding, and that's what with Trent and myself working with Councillor Lorentson, and is to say that we think this is going

00:58:00 to cost more than $10,000. So therefore it has to go to a further process. So it has to be then brought back to council, whether that's through the budget process or another process, but generally this one will come through the budget process. And then we decide whether we want to spend that money or not for this particular additional report. That's, that's where it stands. So all she's asking at the moment is for us to scope it out, see what we think it's going to cost, put a number against it, and then you can decide whether you want to move forward with that. Does that answer your question, Councillor? While I'm standing? Councillor Finzel: I did ask, was the funding, oh, excuse me. Yeah. The exact question was, did the funding come from the, come through the executive of the capital works committee? When the foreshore management plan exceeded the cost because we had to go back to community for another engagement. So given that Shaun did express that the money was already available as part of that

00:59:00 project, I'm seeking clarification that that is where that money is coming from. Speaker 1: Yeah, that's, that's fine. So the idea is that this would come as part of the reports. And when we come back to council to say, here's the master plan, here's all the processes, and here's how we're going to do it. Here's how we went about it. And here's the, here's the process that we followed. So that would just, that, that can be accommodated within our own staff to do that because that's a report writing exercise for us. It's not, nothing to do with the, with the, necessarily with the consultants. It's for us to analyse that and bring that back to council. So I'm, I'm comfortable that we can deliver that within our own resources. Thank you. Jess. Councillor Phillips. Councillor Phillips: Thank you. My question, I guess I'm quite supportive of section, like A, I'm listening to everybody's different views across the table and A, makes sense, is, and my question to Councillor Lorentson and then maybe is B, potentially something more we would be unpacking in a workshop

01:00:00 rather than a report to vote on. I guess is my question. I'm just, B, it sounds like we're all a bit, maybe querying B and what I'll see at the end of it, rather than maybe what we would see in a workshop where we can unpack the process and, and have those conversations. Mayor Wilkie: I'm happy to answer that. Larry. Councillor Lorentson: I'm happy to answer that question. Again, the two are interrelated. We've got an opportunity to A, not just only provide the detail requested by community and, you know, cliche, it's not cliche, we work for community.

01:01:00 So, so my question is, number two. Number two, it's, it's, it shouldn't, it's not that it shouldn't be workshopped. The two, the two need to be, the two need to be put together today because it's the frame. So, so my, keep going back to, my concern is that in good conscience, we cannot go to budget. In January and February and approve any master plan without some assurance that this is going to happen. Mayor Wilkie: It's about when the report's going to be presented. We'll do a workshop. Councillor Lorentson: Well, that's part of B. So B is an exploratory process to understand what the cost is involved in presenting this report and, and the detail.

01:02:00 But the decision will be made during workshop and during deliberations. But again, the matter before us is about public trust. And, okay. Mayor Wilkie: Anything you'd like to add about where the report would be presented? I have a, a question. The report would then, it would have a, the resourcing required. That would then become a budget initiative. And then the councillors would be free to either vote for it as part of the budget or not. Is that correct? That's exactly right. Okay. Any other questions or people wishing to speak to the motion? Councillor Stockwell. Yes. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I think after what we've already heard, the motion is redundant. I'm going to start with B. It was really clearly stated by the director that operationally,

01:03:00 those reviews are currently under review. They're currently part of the process. My initial feeling about B was it was overreach. It was councillor trying to play an operational role. These are what we have expert staff to, our role is to set the budget. And yes, there will be cost overruns on budgets, whether they're planning or whether they're physical works. We have an organisation that is overburdened. And if at every council meeting there are no little things added on, we are going to be a council that doesn't achieve much. So I can't support B. I believe that we want value for money and we have expert staff who endeavour to do it. And they do it in many ways. One of them is to employ contractors and consultants. And one of them is at budget time to review our staffing needs.

01:04:00 Every budget. We balance up whether it's going to be in the long-term cost-effective nature for residents in the ratepayers to actually employ someone to do it or whether it's going to be more cost-effective to have a one-off cost. It's standard budget procedure. B is completely redundant. It is not something that councillors could have had much value to other perhaps than those who have got expert skills in that area. And then, like the mayor's admission. Part A is standard practice. Except maybe the comparing against industry benchmark. Why do we need a motion to say at the end of the project we're going to review it? Now, there's been a lot of thinking about this is what our community wants. I know the community is surprised at the cost of the Noosaville foreshore management plan. I'd be surprised if they weren't surprised. However, we just heard for a similar stretch of road, the estimate is $8.5 million for planning. The Noosaville foreshore has not only park and recreation planning, it's got transport

01:05:00 planning and traffic for consultants, and it's got flooding modelling and climate change consultants. It's a very complex four kilometres. So yes, it is a lot of money. And yes, it's cost more because we've gone back and we've reviewed with eight council workshops complete with a lot of staff and a lot of consultants to get a project and a product that we put back out of the council. We know what the procurement process is. We know what's changed from beginning and what's coming next because it's been stepped through in eight different workshops. So if it is something that's happening, why do we need a motion? I don't think we do. So therefore, I wouldn't be supporting the Noosaville motion. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you, Councillor Stockwell. Councillor Wilson, you have a question? Do you have your hand up? Councillor Wilson: I'm happy to support part A, although I agree that we need to be part of a motion because it should be happening as a matter of course.

01:06:00 Having said that, I do think it should be prioritised. I'm happy to support that. I think there's a bit of confusion over part B, and since they're two separate reports, I see value in actually separating the two processes and maybe putting some more thought into the wording of part B. So is it too late to move an amendment? Mayor Wilkie: It is not. Okay. Second, Councillor Phillips, Councillor Finzel, you were already seconded the first motion. I was seconded. No, Councillor Phillips was seconded. Okay. Councillor Wilson, you have the floor. Councillor Wilson: I think we've already said it but I think there's just a bit of confusion about what this report, what we'd actually be expecting to see in this report and the value of it. I think I'd prefer first to have a bit of an internal conversation about existing policies and procedures and whether there is in fact a need to go out and build a new framework.

01:07:00 Mayor Wilkie: Thank you, Councillor Wilson. Anyone else wish to speak to the amendment? Councillor Phillips: Councillor Wilson has said everything that needs to be said. Thank you. Mayor Wilkie: Okay. Councillor Lorentson, you wish to speak. Councillor Lorentson: I will just to say that Part B was just a step of good faith. It was us telling community that we're listening, we're committed to good governance and we're committed to pushing for better. My concerns are, without Part B, we risk eroding public trust, we risk also, we risk us as councillors from having, I don't know, informed, we come into budget meetings and we don't have this level of detail despite of what Councillor Wegener said.

01:08:00 We don't have the, we don't have that level of detail. So, so I just think A and B is not just for people, it's for the residents, it's for us. It's a commitment to good governance, it's a commitment for better transparency, it's a commitment for clarity and it's a commitment from the whole council that we are listening to the community and that we want to be better. And we want residents to have the confidence in us. They've made it very, very, very clear that every single dollar of ratepayers money must be spent wisely. And I'm not saying that it hasn't been spent wisely with the visible foreshore infrastructure plan, but the level of detail that's required in A plus B,

01:09:00 which is a promise that we are not just going to give them the detail that's required, the detail they've requested, that we're going one step further. We're now going to have a look at a framework, that will assess the effectiveness of outsourcing, whether it can be done internally, whether it can be done externally. It's a promise for continuous improvement. And it's something, again, that I've been discussing with the CEO and CFO for now two years. And I feel, and what I've understood with both of them, is that they feel very comfortable with the wording and with what's been asked by this. So I'm a little bit stunned when community, who are our bosses, we work for community, when they ask us for more transparency, more accountability, more clarity, detail,

01:10:00 and they push us, they push us to honour our commitments for better. Better engagement, better communication, better value for money. So, no, I'm not going to support this because it waters down the intent of the motion. Mayor Wilkie: Any other councillors wish to speak to their motion, their amendment? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I'll do just a debate. More accountability, more governance. If we go back to look at the part that was deleted, there was nothing in there about accountability or transparency. It was about establishing a framework to make financial decisions. So while that might have been the motivation, the motion as put certainly didn't give the community any guarantees.

01:11:00 And I'm pretty sure that because it was raised in this way, that there's a range of views about what it actually does mean amongst the councillors who are meant to be voting for it. Can I ask a question? Mayor Wilkie: Question, please. Question. Councillor Lorentson: Can I ask the question, unless I've read differently, the wording part B is that this question to the CFO, the wording, and I'll repeat the wording, this framework should assess key contracts and consultancies across areas such as value for money, service levels, procurement and contracting practices, and internal versus external resourcing. Do you understand that as being a workforce capability issue, a governance issue, and a commitment to continuous improvement?

01:12:00 Mayor Wilkie: Through you, Chair, Speaker 4: I've interpreted it as a decision-making framework regarding value for money, finance, procurement, and service level, such as doing a service review before you're walking into a tender or a contracting arrangement to ensure value for money in that arrangement and the service level meets the requirements and the arrangement meets expectations. Mayor Wilkie: Any other councillors wish to speak to the amendment? I'll speak to it. Councillor Phillips. Councillor Phillips: I just want to say that everything Councillor Lorentson has just spoke about

01:13:00 is really exactly how I feel about community and wanting transparency and everything. So thank you for bringing the motions. I just want to then show support to Councillor Nicola Wilson's amendment, given that what I hear from the community a lot is that they want some actions. They want to see tangible outcomes rather than us continually talking about things we're going to do. And so because of that, I feel that there's too much confusion. There's too much confusion around B, and I'd like to show support to Councillor Wilson on her amendment. Thanks. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you, Councillor Phillips. Councillor Wilson, do you wish to close?

01:14:00 Councillor Wilson: Sorry. I need a coffee. I think, again, I'm also with Councillor Lorentson on the transparency to the community, but I see nothing in this wording that could actually achieve that. So I don't think it's just something that we need to think through before by tonight. So I think to get some more detail. Okay. Mayor Wilkie: I'll put the amendment. Those in favour of the amendment? That's Councillor Wilkie, Stockwell, Finzel, Wegener and Phillips. Against? Councillor Lorentson, the amendment's carried. We go back to the original motion to which everyone, Councillor Lorentson, Wilkie, Wegener and Stockwell have spoken. Councillor Finzel, do you wish to speak to the motion now, which is part A? Yeah, I'm happy to speak to that. Okay. Councillor Finzel.

01:15:00 Yeah. Thank you. Councillor Finzel: Thank you. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank both Councillor Lorentson and Councillor Nicola for trying to work together tonight to get a resolution. It has been challenging. I think just for clarification, a little bit. I don't think we're going to reach that tonight. So I do support the amendment to be brought back to part A. I support everything that Councillor Lorentson has said. And I support this council that does work together. I support that we work hard. In my time during council, if I've ever requested a report or something to help inform my decision making around the budget process or anything else, I must say, in my experience, the staff has delivered that to the best of their ability and the CEO always has his door open. It is always about supporting my community, putting community first and engendering trust

01:16:00 with our community so that we are outward facing and that we can have a better future. Thank you. We've worked together to bring these outcomes and often they are complex, they're not straightforward as you can see tonight, just simple wording to how do we all understand this, community has voted well, you've got all our councillors sitting up here and each one of us brings a different perspective and you've seen that in action tonight, it's part of our democratic process and we're working together for our community to deliver the outcomes that our community expects and tells us that they want. Yeah, I just support this council and what they're doing, councillors and staff, and we appreciate what the community brings to us to the table and we work hard to deliver, including your deputations, the time you take to send questions, the time you take to email us. So I think for continuous improvement, service to our community, please be assured that we are working to the best of our capabilities to deliver that. Thank you.

01:17:00 Mayor Wilkie: Thank you, Councillor Finzel. Question to staff. Part B also could take the form of a budget initiative. If there was appetite, that could still be part of the budget process, is that? Absolutely. Is that correct? Yes. Yes? Thank you. Councillor Phillips, did you wish to speak before Councillor Lorentson exercises her right to close? No, thank you. Okay. Councillor Lorentson, did you wish to close? No. Councillor Lorentson: No, thank you. I will never make the decision of the majority. So this is what we're with and I respect and accept this decision. I will be as I have for the last two years persist, persist with my request for a framework, a formal reporting system, a consultancy register.

01:18:00 I will persist. We need to do things better. We need to understand our workforce capability. We need to understand where our talent gap is. We need to understand the cost of these decisions. What goes without when we okay these consultancies? Could it have been done internally, externally? We need to be able to measure outcomes. And we need to, you know, not just measure outcomes, we need to understand community expectations and values. We need to understand is this what community wants? A plan for a plan for a plan. Again, are we over-complicating?

01:19:00 Are we providing too much level of detail without adequate delivery? These are the conversations. This is the information that we can unpack with the proper framework. Again, accept what's before us, but I will be putting forward the initiative to explore consultancy register or a formal reporting consultancy and contractor reporting framework that both the community and councillors have easy access to. We have access to determine value for money, return on investments, and whether or not what we spend out, your money, what we spend your money, aligns with your values and your expectations. Thank you, Councillor Morrison. I'll put the motion. Those in favour? Mayor Wilkie: There's Councillor Wilson, Wilkie, Lorentson, Finzel and Phillips against. Councillor Stockwell and Councillor Wegener. The motion's carried.

01:20:00 Brings us to consideration of committee reports. Audit and Risk Report. Number 1, QAO EA Reports. Number 2, 2023-24 Annual Financial Statements. Number 3, Noosa Shire Council Annual Report. Do they have a mover and seconder for the Audit and Risk Committee recommendations to be adopted? Please. Move Councillor Wegener, Councillor Finzel. Any discussion? All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Now move on to the Planning and Environment Committee Reports. Planning and Environment Court Appeal Number 2611 of 2024 MCU 230105 Application for Material Change of Use for Multiple Dwelling at Six Small Dwellings, Food and Drink Outlet and Office at 2 Bottle Brush Avenue, Noosa Heads. 6.1 Planning Applications Decided by Delegated Authority, September 2024. Can I have a mover and seconder of the Planning and Environment Committee Recommendations to be adopted, please?

11 CONSIDERATION OF COMMITTEE REPORTS ¶

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11.1 AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE REPORT - 25 OCTOBER 2024 ¶

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11.2 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT - 12 NOVEMBER 2024 ¶

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01:21:00 Move Councillor Lorentson, seconded. Councillor Stockwell. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Ladies and gentlemen, these are... Sorry Nicola, are you just saying aye or putting your hand up? Councillor Wilson: I was going to add it to the vote but I also unfortunately really need to make a point. I'm going to leave the meeting now. Mayor Wilkie: Okay. Councillor Wilson: I'm afraid the stage reckons. Mayor Wilkie: Righto. Thank you. Break a leg. Chuggers. Thank you. Thank you. These are all recommendations forwarded from the Planning and Environment Committee and Services and Organisation Committee and General Committee recommendations. They're done in bulk at this stage. 11.3 is the Services and Organisation Committee Report. 5.1 Council Meeting Schedule 2025. 5.2 was referred to the General Committee. 5.3 is Adoption of Noosa Council's Strategic Land Activation Policy.

01:22:00 6.1 is the Capital Program 2425 Delivery Status. 7.1 is the Confidential Report on the Renewal of State Lease for the Noosaville Slipway at 3 Mill Street, Noosaville. 7.2 was another Confidential Report. It was an Expression of Interest in Council-Owned Industrial Land. Can I have a mover and seconder for the Services and Organisation Committee recommendations be adopted? Councillor Phillips. Seconded. Councillor Finzel. Councillor Finzel. Any discussion? All in favour? That's carried unanimously. The reports to the General Committee include the Bridging Beach Surf Life Saving Club Funding Request and Update on Operations Referred from Services and Organisation dated 12 November 2024. Councillor Finzel. Councillor Finzel: Councillor Finzel. Councillor Finzel. I guess I'll inform the meeting that I have a declarable Conflict of Interest in relation to the Perigee Beach Surf Life Saving Club as Lee McCready, who worked as a volunteer in my 2020 Future Noosa Election Campaign, is the President of the Perigee Beach Surf Life

11.4 GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT - 18 NOVEMBER 2024 ¶

▶ 01:22:55

01:23:00 Saving Club. As Mrs McCready is not a close Associate or related party and has never given me a gift or a loan, I believe a reasonable person would agree that I am able to make an impartial decision on the matter. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision. Mayor Wilkie: I'd like to move that the Council note the declarable conflict of interest by Councillor Finzel and determine that Councillor Finzel participates and votes on this matter because the Council believes that a reasonable person would trust that the final decision is made in the public interest. Second. Seconded by Councillor Stockwell. Any discussion? None. I'll put it to the vote. Those in favour? That's Councillor Phillips, Wegener, Stockwell and Wilkie noting that Councillor Lorentson and Councillor Finzel did not vote. Councillor Lorentson, you have a CLA?

01:24:00 Councillor Lorentson: I do. I, Councillor Lorentson, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in the matter as my daughter, Georgia Lorentson, and my son, Ben Lorentson are employed by Surf Life Saving Queensland as casual lifeguards. It could be viewed that I have a conflict of interest. However, I do not believe a reasonable person could have a perception of bias as my daughter and son's employment is of a casual nature and not exclusively bound to SOSQ. Therefore, there is no benefit or loss specific to my daughter and son from the outcome of the application. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can participate. I will remain and participate in the decision. I would like to move that Councillor, oh, sorry, Mayor Wilkie: that Councillor note the declarable conflict of interest by Councillor Lorentson and determine that Councillor Lorentson participates and votes in this matter because Councillor believes that Councillor Lorentson would be able to make an impartial decision

01:25:00 in the community interest. Seconded by Councillor Phillips. Thank you, Councillor Phillips. Is there any discussion? Now, all in favour? That's Councillor Phillips, Wegener, Stockwell and Wilkie, Councillor Lorentson and Councillor, Mr Finzel, do not vote. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I'm happy to move the motion that was, came from the General Committee. Mayor Wilkie: That's moved, Councillor Stockwell. We have a seconder, please. I have a second. Councillor Lorentson. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. We now have the financial, 6.1 is the financial report from October 2024. 6.2, Noosashire Council Annual Report 23-24. 6.3, Operational Plan 24-25 Quarterly 1, Quarter 1, Quarterly Reporting. 6.4, 2024 LGAQ Conference Noosa Council Motions that were carried. I have a mover and a seconder for the General Committee recommendations to be adopted, except we're dealt with seven. That's Councillor Wegener. We have a seconder, please.

01:26:00 I have a seconder. Councillor Phillips. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. We now have five ordinary meeting reports. The first being the 2024-25 Community Grant Program Funding Community Project Grants Round 2 Events. Speaker 1: We need the microphone. Ali, we need the microphone. Mayor Wilkie: And, Councillor Wegener. Councillor Wegener: I, Councillor Wegener. I, Councillor Wegener, informed the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter in relation to the events grants funding request from Noosa International Surf Film Festival. I am a member of the International Surf Film Festival Committee. As a result of my conflict of interest, I will now leave the meeting run while the matter is considered and voted on. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you, Councillor Wegener. We have our Community Connections Manuscript. We have our Community Connections Manager, Alison Hamblin, here for this report.

12 ORDINARY MEETING REPORTS ¶

▶ 01:26:28

Nothing was transcribed under this heading — a stretch of the recording with no speech the model could make out.

12.1 2024-2025 COMMUNITY PROGRAM FUNDING - COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANTS (ROUND TWO) - EVENTS ¶

▶ 01:26:33· Carried unanimously 5-0 from council's minutes

01:27:00 Alison, could you please give us summary of the report? Speaker 2: Yes, sure. This is the first report that I'll be presenting today. So, this relates to our Community Grants Program. One of those categories is events. So, our Grants Program was opened up on the 6th of August and closed the 17th of September. All grants go through a thorough assessment process and then brought to Council for decision-making. Today, we'll be looking at the community events. For the first report, we've got four events that have actually applied and we're recommending all four events as recommended grants. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you. Do we need to go through the events? Speaker 2: I can take you through the events, if you like. Yeah. Yes. So, the first event we've got is the Ocean Heroes. So, Ocean Heroes will be providing surf programs for people with autism or on the spectrum. We're actually requiring those events to be held here in the Noosa Shire. So, that's one of the special permissions that we're putting on that particular one as

01:28:00 such. Would you like me to let you know the grant amount that we're recommending? Mayor Wilkie: Yes. Are we able to project that graphic? The attachment. The attachment? Yeah. Which make it explanatory for the members of the gallery? Deborah Walsh: It's in the agenda, but we'll get it up. Speaker 1: Let's do it. Mayor Wilkie: Keep talking to it, Alison, while we get... Speaker 2: We're waiting for that to come forward. The second one we're looking at is Best Juries, which is a multicultural celebration in the community. We're recommending that one for funding as well. The third one is the Returned Services League of Australia, so the Tewantin Noosa RSL sub-branch. Recommending for their commemorative ANZAC Day celebrations. And the fourth one is the International Tourism Association. The third one is the National Circus Film Festival. Mayor Wilkie: And you mentioned the amounts, Alison? Speaker 2: Yes. I couldn't... Sorry. I thought we'd have them up on this attachment.

01:29:00 Yeah. So, Ocean Heroes. The lighting's not very good here for me as well. Yeah. Ocean Heroes, we're recommending $5,000 towards it. Best Juries, $5,000. The ANZAC at Tewantin is another $5,000. And Best Juries is... My lighting is not very good. $9,900, I think. Mayor Wilkie: Okay. Okay. Any questions of... I'm sorry. We're in formal debate. So, anyone care to move the resolution? Councillor Finzel: I'll move it. Mayor Wilkie: We'll move Councillor Phillips. Councillor Finzel: I'm happy to second. Mayor Wilkie: Seconded by Councillor Finzel. Who wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Phillips? No. No. Councillor Finzel? Councillor Finzel: Yes. Thank you. It's a great report. It's great to see the money going back to the community. I just have a question around Ocean Heroes Limited. When I was reading the report, I did a bit of research on that and found out that they

01:30:00 are from WA. So, just a question bringing this great event for people with autism to our community. Can you just talk to us a little bit about how the... Yeah. So, the Ocean Heroes Limited program will be linked to our community groups and Living Well Noosa. Speaker 2: Yes. Madam Chair. This is a great question. Thank you, Councillor Finzel. This particular program, yes, they are based out of state as such. However, they do do events across the nation. They're looking to do a Noosa-specific event. So, that's one of our conditions to ensure that they do that. The money that we contribute to this particular event goes to the Noosa residents only. We do have our Noosa Living Well program, which looks at low cost to affordable activities within the Noosa Shire. And one of the conditions we're also putting on this particular funding program, funding as well, is for this particular event to be included in that Living Well program.

01:31:00 So, I'll ensure our officers work with this organisation to make that happen. Thank you. Councillor Lorentson: Okay. Councillor Lorentson. I have a question. But can I also add, in terms of Ocean Heroes, this will be their second event here in Noosa. And I invite the councillors, if they're around this Saturday, the event will be held on Saturday. It's an excellent program that really promotes inclusivity. And it's highly well attended. And it's an excellent program, and I'd like to thank Noosa Council for supporting it. My question is, does the community receive a cash grant? Is there a calendar of events and the locations in advance to help with planning and participation? Is that advertised on our website? Speaker 2: In terms of our Living Well program, Councillor Arnston? Councillor Lorentson: Yes. In terms of our Living Well program and any sort of events, such as, say, the Ocean Heroes

01:32:00 program. Speaker 2: So, if it's part of our Living Well program, yes, it's widely advertised on our council website and through socials. We do also have a calendar of events. People can subscribe to as well and look at what events are actually available in Noosa Shire. It's up to the organisation, however, to provide those details into that calendar of events. Thank you very much. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you. Anyone else wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Stockwell. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I will support, and it's always good to give money to the community to do events that further our social strategy and other strategies. I do note that it is unusual for council to be requested to provide funds for Anzac Day. It is one I support because I think the sub-branch is in need of support, but I want to put on record that by this time next year, I trust that there is no need for ratepayer funding, considering the logical source where that should be funded from.

01:33:00 Mayor Wilkie: Councillor Stockwell. Councillor Phillips, you wish to close? Councillor Phillips: Very quickly, thank you for the detailed report and, yeah, I, like every council, I really enjoy seeing us support all these local events and what it does for our community, so thank you. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you. I'll put the motion. Those in favour? That's unanimous. May Councillor Wegener come back in the room now, please. Thank you. Thank you. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Next up we have the... Just wait a minute. I think Councillor Wegener is doing a radical re-entry. Mayor Wilkie: Stop that. Community Program Funding Community Project Grants, Round 2, Programs and Projects. Alison Handler, again. Speaker 2: Yes, this is me again. At the same look, we invite not-for-profit community organisations to apply for this particular

01:34:00 category. So, we're servicing a need in our community, so they can apply for a program to service that need in our community. So, for this particular one, we had three applications coming that we've recommended, with a total value of $34,894. I can go individually on the screen there, or we can refer to the screen of those applications that have come forward. Mayor Wilkie: If you could just read them out, thanks. Speaker 2: Yeah, sure. My light's... I don't have a bright light. So, we've got the New South Wales Community House, so they're showcasing young local talent and Western inclusive, empowering community events. We're recommending $12,995 towards that particular one. The second one is Judy Havard, so she's been auspiced. So, for self, she's not eligible, so organisations can auspice, or individuals can be auspiced by an organisation. So, she's been auspiced by the North Coast Aboriginal Corporation. So, this particular is a creation of 20 contemporary sculptures through the weekly four-hour

12.2 2024-2025 COMMUNITY PROGRAM FUNDING – COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANTS (ROUND TWO) – PROGRAM/PROJECTS ¶

▶ 01:34:02· Carried unanimously 6-0 from council's minutes

01:35:00 ceramics workshop. We're recommending $4,000 on that. We have got special conditions noted on that particular one as well. Mayor Wilkie: Who's got $5,000 on that one? Speaker 2: Sorry, did I say $4,000? Sorry, $5,000, sorry. The third one is the Trustee of the Salvation Army. This is a lovely project where we're recruiting and training our male volunteers to reach out to adult males in the Noosa Shire who are affected by trauma, poverty, loneliness, homelessness, and home workplace abuse. This particular one we're recommending is $16,899. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you. Does someone care to move the motion? I'll be the mover. Councillor Stockwell is seconded. Speaker 2: Councillor Finzel? Mayor Wilkie: I'm happy to second. Councillor Stockwell? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I need to note that there's an unusually good diversity of projects in there that will further some social justice issues in our community. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you. Anyone else wish to speak or have any questions on these grants?

01:36:00 Okay, I'll put it to the vote. That's unanimous. Next up we have the Community Program Funding Community Project Grants Infrastructure. Councillor Phillips. Councillor Phillips: I, Councillor Jessica Phillips, declare that I have a declarable conflict of interest in relation to the Infrastructure Grant Funding. Although I have a declarable conflict of interest, I do not believe a reasonable person could have a perception of bias, because the position she holds is not a decision maker, nor is she an executive committee member. Neither I nor my family friend stand to gain a personal or a personal understanding of or material benefit from the decision over and above what other club members would gain. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the meeting room.

12.3 2024-2025 COMMUNITY PROGRAM FUNDING - COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANTS (ROUND TWO) - INFRASTRUCTURE ¶

▶ 01:36:24· Carried unanimously 6-0 from council's minutes

01:37:00 However, I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision. Mayor Wilkie: Okay. Councillor Finzel? Councillor Phillips: Oh, yeah. Councillor Finzel: Happy to move. Mayor Wilkie: What are you moving? Councillor Finzel: Oh, that Councillor... I note that you don't... Mayor Wilkie: Thank you and seconded by Councillor Lorentson. Thank you. All in favour? That's unanimous except for Councillor Phillips who did not vote on the matter. Okay. Thank you Alison. Speaker 2: Thank you. So again this invitation was made to not-for-profit community organisations to apply for this particular category which comes under infrastructure. With infrastructure applicants must put in 50% of their own contribution. So their own contribution could be their in-kind, cash or another external source.

01:38:00 We received a number of applications and we're recommending seven of those applications for funding. So I will go through that list. Would you like me to read it out? That's fine. So the first one we've got Noosa Nepal. Thank you. Noosa Nepal Association. So Noosa Nepal was actually successful in a state government grant to build a new building. All they're requiring from council is assistance for the demolition of their existing building. We're recommending $5000 towards that. Noosa Women's Shed. They're looking at improving their safety and security by fencing the Noosa Women's Shed. So they're now relocating to the Unity Water site next to the Noosa Men's Shed. We're recommending $30,000 towards that which is the maximum grant that can be received under this program. The third one which is in our backyard right here which is the Peregian Beach Tennis Club. They've also got money externally as well.

01:39:00 We're supporting the shade structure for Court 3, resurfacing of all the courts and adjusting the Court 3 lighting. We're recommending $15,000 towards that project. The fourth one is Noosa Tennis Club. They're supplying and replacing current lighting in the car park with energy efficient LED lights that meet safety standards. This particular one we're recommending $3,320 towards that. Pomona, Cooroy and District AFL Club. They're installing luminacies on the upgraded lighting poles. We're recommending $20,000 towards this. Second last is the Cooroy Park Bush Care Group. They're looking at installation of hardwood seating around a large red gum stump in the Cooroy Park and Steinage.

01:40:00 We're recommending $3,108 towards that one. And the last one there is the Tewantin Noosa Cricket Club. They're construction and installing a new site screen at both ends of the cricket club. At Reid Park. We're recommending $22,327 towards that. Mayor Wilkie: Great. Now, anyone wish to speak to the motion or have any questions? Okay. We've moved by Councillor Finzel and seconded by Councillor Lorentson, I believe. Councillor Wegener: That was the... Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Oh, bigger part. Mayor Wilkie: Okay, do we have someone to move this particular motion? Councillor Lorentson. Councillor Lorentson, thank you. I'll second. And Councillor Stockwell. Councillor Lorentson, wish to speak to the motion? No. Thank you very much. Anyone else? No. Councillor Stockwell? Okay. I'll put it to the vote. Those in favour? That's unanimous. That's unanimous. Now, the next one is the Community Program Funding Community Project Grants Equipment.

01:41:00 Speaker 2: Yes, this is the... Mayor Wilkie: Alison. Speaker 2: This is the last category of our community grants. So, this is for the purchase of equipment that responds to a specific opportunity or need in our community. We've had six applications that we're going to recommend for funding, with a total value of $34,195. So, those applications consist of the nursing community grants, the community programs grants, so they're looking at installing 10 new raised corrugated metal and timber... Thank you. Timber garden beds, including the filling, irrigation, and laying gravel between the beds. We're recommending $3,500 towards that. The timber hall committee, so purchasing 100 lightweight, strong, and durable chairs, recommending $6,500. The federal hall, they're looking at installing 10 new raised corrugated metal, and timber systems, including the speakers, microphones, amplifiers, and Bluetooth capability, to

12.4 2024-2025 COMMUNITY PROGRAM FUNDING - COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANTS (ROUND TWO) - EQUIPMENT ¶

▶ 01:41:16· Carried unanimously 6-0 from council's minutes

01:42:00 $3,200 towards that. The Cooroy Chamber of Commerce, the purchasing of the seating, tables, and lighting. We're putting a special condition around that particular one, because their application was towards more of the Christmas in Cooroy event. So, we're asking for that particular purchase to be made available to other community groups in the area as well. And so, we're recommending $6,200 towards. The Kin Kin Community Group, they're wanting to look at the AV equipment, stage curtains, wall furniture, crockery, cooking equipment, cooling, heating, solutions, and a dishwasher. Again, we're doing a part funding, so some special conditions around that. We're only recommending towards the chair and the stage curtains only, which is $13,407. Keeping in mind, we have funded the Kin Kin Community Group not so long ago. Cooroy United States. We're also looking at the Kin Kin Community Group, which is the soccer club up in Cooroy,

01:43:00 which is the purchase of equipment to maintain their playing fields and around the clubhouse. The equipment that they were looking at doing, we're recommending the brush cutter and the blower only. So, $1,388. With a total value then of $34,195. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you, Alison. We have someone to move this, please. I'll move it. Moved by Councillor Stockwell. Seconded by Councillor Finzel. Any discussion? Put it to the vote. Those in favour? That's carried unanimously. And finally, we have the Community Grant Project Funding Summary. Thank you, Alison. Speaker 2: Thank you. So, this is a summary report where we've just presented the four categories, being equipment, equipment, and equipment. But the total grant value that Council will be presenting is $192,744, which is a great

12.5 2024-2025 COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM - COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANTS (ROUND TWO) - SUMMARY ¶

▶ 01:43:50· Carried unanimously 6-0 from council's minutes

01:44:00 outcome for our community. We had 31 applications received. Unfortunately, three of those applications were ineligible. They had a request of a total project delivery, which is really wonderful to hear. It was $485,000. So, a lot of money that we're actually contributing towards. So, I think it's a great community outcome to be able to give these grants out to people. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you. Thank you, Alison. Does someone care to move this report? Councillor Phillips. Councillor Phillips. Can I have a seconder, please? Councillor Wegener. Any discussion? Councillor Phillips: I'm just going to very quickly speak. This is actually a good news story. Like, I think the Community Grants Program is something to celebrate tonight and probably end the night on a really lovely note. I grew up in Noosa, and I have been a volunteer in different community groups. What an exceptional reflection of our community that we have such a variety of different groups

01:45:00 that provide such a diverse feedback to our most vulnerable, our kids. Just even looking at that list was just a really great thing to read and see. So, thank you for all the work that you do. And, yeah, I just want to thank you. I just wanted to say how wonderful it is to see this. Thank you. Thank you. Mayor Wilkie: Any councillors wish to speak? Yeah, look, I'd also like to thank you, Alison, and the community development team. You work very closely with, I understand it's about 300 not-for-profits in the Shire. This Community Grants Program is one way that we show physical, tangible support for them and the work that they do. And I understand that all the grant programs that Noosa Council runs delivers about $1.5

01:46:00 million in funding spent externally in the Noosa community. It's a good return of ratepayers' money for the people who are doing, volunteers who are doing work in the community, making it a great place to live. And I know you and your staff, you know who needs the money, and you have a rigorous process in deciding who gets the grants. Those that are unsuccessful, you have a process where you work with the unsuccessful applicant and help support them through towards a more successful grant application next time, or a more appropriate funding source, other grant sources. So thank you for the work that you and your team do. I'll put it to the vote, those in favour? That's carried unanimously. We have no confidential items. That brings us to the end of tonight's agenda. Thank you everyone for taking the time to come along and witness Council's, the Council's

01:47:00 ordinary meeting in motion. The next ordinary meeting will be at the Noosa Council Chambers on Thursday 19th of December at 10am. And I declare the meeting closed at 6.47pm. Thank you very much everybody. And we'll be around if you want to talk further on issues.

13 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION ¶

▶ 01:47:09

Council's recording ends before this item. Where a meeting resolved to close its doors, that is what the end of the recording means — see what council discussed in private.

14 NEXT MEETING ¶

▶ 01:47:13

Council's recording ends before this item. Where a meeting resolved to close its doors, that is what the end of the recording means — see what council discussed in private.